MEP Glavak: 5G technology presents opportunity for 700,000 new jobs in EU

NEWS 10.11.202012:59
NICOLAS ASFOURI / AFP

The green and digital transition and strengthening the competitiveness of European industry provide an opportunity for 700,000 new jobs by 2030, Croatian MEP Suncana Glavak said addressing a panel discussion on competitiveness and 5G technology organised by the European Parliament office in Croatia on Monday.

The panel discussion was attended by industry experts and a representative of the Croatian Regulatory Agency for Network Activities (HAKOM).

Glavak, who is the rapporteur for the European Parliament’s Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), explained what the new EU industrial strategy envisages.

“The strategy will be the driver of Europe’s competitiveness and its strategic autonomy. It means three changes that will transform industry in the EU, strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises and enable Europe to become sustainable and competitive: green and digital transition and global competitiveness,” Glavak said according to a press release from the EPP public relations office.

The strategy aims at a dual transition towards climate neutrality and digital leadership. It will mobilise €100 billion for a fair transition of regions that are largely carbon intensive.

Applying the principle of a circular economy will provide 700,000 new jobs throughout the European Union by 2030 and in the next five years 120 million European citizens will need to undergo additional training.

Such progress is expected to create more than one million jobs by 2030. According to the European Commission, already now in Europe there are one million unfilled vacancies for experts in digital technology.

Studies show that the application of 5G technology could increase productivity by an average of six percent in agriculture, the public sector and production and that is particularly important for Croatia. That is a huge task in the field of communications for those who will provide that technology on the market.

Glavak underlined the need to coordinate information to inform citizens about 5G technology to avoid misinformation about it which has resulted in anti-5G movements in the EU, including Croatia.